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ICRC urges safe medical access for weapon-wounded patients amid conflict

Juba (ICRC) Armed conflict intensified in several regions of South Sudan in late 2025 and early 2026, limiting access for humanitarian and medical workers and leaving wounded civilians without life-saving care, the International Committee of the Red Cross said, Jan. 2026. The fighting has been most severe in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and Central Equatoria states, where insecurity and access constraints have prevented aid workers from reaching some of the most affected communities, according to the ICRC. “Ongoing access constraints in certain areas of South Sudan mean that the ICRC cannot reach several weapon-wounded patients in need of life-saving medical care,” said Daniel Bunnskog, head of the ICRC delegation in South Sudan. “We call on parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to civilians in need and those wounded by weapons, and to respect and protect humanitarian personnel carrying out impartial humanitarian activities.” A press statement seen by The Juba Mirror News Desk said the escalation of violence has significantly disrupted humanitarian operations, compounding the risks faced by civilians and relief workers alike. The ICRC reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the requirement to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. “Civilians must never be the object of attack,” the statement said, adding that the wounded, sick and detainees related to the conflict must be respected, protected and provided medical care without delay or discrimination. The organization also stressed that medical personnel, facilities and transports must be respected and protected under international humanitarian law. The ICRC said it continues to engage in bilateral dialogue with parties to the conflict to address the humanitarian situation and to reiterate their legal obligations, including ensuring safe access for humanitarian teams. Despite the challenges, the ICRC said it remains committed to providing neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict across South Sudan.

admin Published: January 23, 2026 | Updated: January 24, 2026 2 minutes read

The fighting has been most severe in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and Central Equatoria states, where insecurity and access constraints have prevented aid workers from reaching some of the most affected communities, according to the ICRC.

“Ongoing access constraints in certain areas of South Sudan mean that the ICRC cannot reach several weapon-wounded patients in need of life-saving medical care,” said Daniel Bunnskog, head of the ICRC delegation in South Sudan. “We call on parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to civilians in need and those wounded by weapons, and to respect and protect humanitarian personnel carrying out impartial humanitarian activities.”

A press statement seen by The Juba Mirror News Desk said the escalation of violence has significantly disrupted humanitarian operations, compounding the risks faced by civilians and relief workers alike.

The ICRC reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the requirement to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives.

“Civilians must never be the object of attack,” the statement said, adding that the wounded, sick and detainees related to the conflict must be respected, protected and provided medical care without delay or discrimination.

The organization also stressed that medical personnel, facilities and transports must be respected and protected under international humanitarian law.

The ICRC said it continues to engage in bilateral dialogue with parties to the conflict to address the humanitarian situation and to reiterate their legal obligations, including ensuring safe access for humanitarian teams.

Despite the challenges, the ICRC said it remains committed to providing neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict across South Sudan.